[295] Count de Grignan was of an ancient and noble Provençal
family. He was rich, and held a high office, that of
Lieutenant-General of the Government of Provence; and as the
governor, Vendôme, was rarely in his place, M. de Grignan was
virtually the governor. He had been twice married before his
union with Madame de Sévigné’s daughter, and it seems likely,
considering the fashion of those times, and indeed of French
marriages now, the mother was influenced by ambition. She found
it did not confer happiness. The count was extravagant and fond
of play, though he seems to have been a kind husband; still it
is evident that Madame de Sévigné was constrained in her letters
to him. She compliments him, professes much affection, and was
always on friendly terms with him, because he was the husband of
her darling daughter. But her letters to him never go beyond this.